The Villa Times - 26/04/2006

Kevin Phillipssaid: 'I've seen it on television and it was easily onside. That point would have kept us safe from relegation. Now we have to go to Anfield and try and get something from the game because we're still in the mix.'

The Daily Star claim that Michael Bridges will snub his former manager O'Leary and stay at Carlisle next season.

Manchester City lost 6 in a row before visiting Villa Park. They are apparently sending a bouquet of flowers to Doug Ellis today in thanks for making our squad so paper thin that we are always willing to oblige teams on a bad run. David O'Leary received the same gratitude from Wigan who hadn't won all year at home. Tweedle dee and tweedle dum were unavailable for comment but were thought to be counting the riches they are making off the back of us 'mugs' (aka supporters).

Reports suggest that David O'Leary has changed his mind about bidding for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Carl Cort . Yawn.

The Mirror have possession as 38% Villa 62% Man City from last nights 1-0 defeat.

Gabriel Agbonlahor says he will play wherever his is asked as long as he is asked! He told the official site: 'In a way I don't want the season to finish. I know it's not been the best season for Villa, but I want to keep getting chances to prove I can do it. I waited a long time for my chance and I'm determined to make the most of it - wherever the manager asks me to play.'

David O'Leary has said about Gary Cahill in a move that will totally motivate the player to sign a new contract and stay (not): 'He's got the potential but I think only time will tell. We've seen what young kids can be like. We've seen them play really well, score really good goals - like the one against Birmingham - but then seen the dip against Wigan. And that's what young people are like.'

Olof Mellberg has echoed what the vast majority of Villa fans think: 'No excuses, we've not been good enough this year.' Mellberg will surely be one of the players looking for a Villa Park exit in the summer as he must see his career is slowly ebbing away at perennial underachievers Aston Villa. Things will not improve next season unless miracle of miracles we get new owners and Ellis has already said that O'Leary will have to sell before he can buy. So, bye-bye to any quality we have left, hello to players from the Championship and relegated teams. Full article: Click Here

Press talk is suggesting that Alan Curbishley will join Aston Villa as manager in the summer. Not convinced myself, will any manager really want to come to Villa whilst a supposed takeover situation is in play? Will O'Leary walk? Can Villa afford to pay off O'Leary's £2million a season contract? Does anyone care anymore?!

The Vital Newcastle site has an article saying there is no way the Magpies will sell James Milner, at least not until a manager is appointed. Villa won't have the £3million or so needed anyway unless we get to sell players like Angel, Baros, Mellberg etc.

Steven Davis is due back in training after recovering from a hamstring problem. He said: 'I'm hoping to come back in time for the Liverpool game. I did some running on it on Sunday and it didn't feel too bad.'

Thought for the day: Being 'over the hill' is much better than being under it!